Atletico Madrid vs Liverpool Betting Tip Draw – 18 February 2020

Atleti can stifle Liverpool

17th February 2020 / callum
Sadio Mane /Liverpool ©imago images / Focus Images 18.02.2020

SpainAtletico Madrid vs LiverpoolSpain
18th February 2000hrs
Football – Europe – Champions League
Pick Draw
Bookmaker Unibet
Odds: 12/5 odds taken 2000 GMT, Monday 17 February

The Champions League returns this week and holders Liverpool will be looking for another strong performance away to an Atletico Madrid team who continue to struggle

Bet at Unibet

 

Atletico Madrid Preview – Are Atleti set to bounce back from a disappointing run and upset holders?

It’s not been the season Atletico would have been hoping for domestically so Diego Simeone will be looking towards the Champions League and hoping they can salvage something from this campaign. It’s a the toughest ask they could have gotten, however, facing the best team in Europe at present. Finalists in 2014 and 2016, Atleti know what it takes to go far in the competition. The big question is whether or not they are good enough this time around.
What is in their advantage coming into this game is that Atletico have never lost a knockout game at home in the Champions League under Simeone. Conceding just two goals in 12 games, of which they have won eight. It’s a brilliant record.
Our betting prediction:
1-1 Correct Score
11/2


Bet at Bet365

 

Atleti’s vulnerabilities this year are indicated by the fact they lost two matches in this year’s group stage. Prior to that Simeone’s men had lost just two of their previous 11 in the competition. Whether it’s a lack of intensity that they have been renowned for or a change in style, there is definitely a drop-off from previous years.

Simeone’s men come into this game having won only one of their last five La Liga games. Completely dropping out of contention for the title.

Liverpool Preview – Will Klopp’s Liverpool continue their phenomenal run of form and return home with an advantage?

The 17th of September last year remains the last game where a first-choice Liverpool team lost a game. Napoli were 2-0 winners in the group stage and although going out to Aston Villa in the EFL Cup in December, that was essentially a third-choice team due to their World Club Cup commitment. It’s been a tremendous season thus far for Jurgen Klopp’s men. The Reds have won virtually all the big games including when requiring a win in their final group game to ensure qualification and top spot in the group stage.

A 2-0 win away to a dangerous RB Salzburg outfit means they earned the right to play away from home in this first knockout game as they look to defend their title.

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This will be a happy return to the stadium where Liverpool won last season’s Champions League final. The strength of this team, however, is their ability to continue powering forward and focusing on what’s ahead. They have been in scintillating form this season and look set to break all sorts of records on their way to a first Premier League title.

There have been some struggles away from home in the Champions League for Liverpool despite appearing in the last two finals. The Reds have lost six of their last nine away ties in the competition.

Atletico Madrid vs Liverpool Betting Advice

It would be a huge surprise if Liverpool do not progress to the quarter-final stage over the course of the two legs. Atletico are not the same team who have reached two finals in the last six years and their opponents have taken their form to a new level this season. That said, this first leg may well pose Klopp’s men some problems.

Key Facts – Atletico Madrid vs Liverpool Betting Tip

  • Atletico finished the group stage with 10 points and second to Juventus in their section
  • Liverpool secured top spot in their section on the final match day, finishing above Napoli
  • This is the first meeting between the two in this competition since the group stage in 2008

 

Atleti’s record at home in European competition under Simeone cannot be ignored. One defeat in 25 is an incredible run of form and being unbeaten at home in Champions League knockout football under this coach is also a confidence-booster. Combining that with Liverpool losing six of nine away suggests the home team can get a result here.

Because of their lack of form, however, I’ve no faith in that result being a win. Instead, the value play in this first leg match is a draw. Which was the case when the sides last met in the Champions League back in 2007/08.

The best betting odds for Atletico Madrid vs Liverpool

 

Atletico Madrid to win: 5/2 at Bet365
Draw: 23/10 at Bet365
Liverpool to win: 23/20 at Bet365